Tag: #deertotem

My first totem drawing of 2019 is unique from all my others. I incorporated six different animals into one piece this time. The animals are done with pointillism rather than zentangle. Instead of zentangle animals, I attempted the flower of life as my main tangle for this piece. It’s a very intricate pattern and I have always wanted to take a shot at it.

I recently saw a white deer and I was inspired to create a piece about symbolic white animals. There are many popular ones such as the white buffalo and the white rabbit. I am interested in researching all of them. This will encompass my next blog post.

I just finished the ink for my drawing and will add a some color to it before posting the final piece. Check back later this week to see the finished piece and learn about the symbolism behind white animals.

When did you see a white animal that stood out to you? What kind of animal was it and what did it mean to you? Share your story in the comments below. Thanks for stopping by.

You won’t believe it! I barely believe it and I saw it! I was driving to the store on a familiar route on the highway. Off to the right is a big clearing where herds of deer are often seen grazing. I always enjoy seeing them when I drive by. Sure enough, on this drive, they were there. A big herd from about 10 – 15. Then I noticed something that was a little off. There was another animal grazing with the herd, right in the center of them all in fact. Most of it was white as snow and at first glance I thought maybe it was snow. Was it a horse? A goat? Holy Cannoli!! It was a white deer! I couldn’t believe it but it made more sense than a goat grazing with deer! I studied it as long as I could. I wanted to turn around so badly and get pictures but I was on the highway and had only my phone, which was at 4% battery. I was so upset that I couldn’t document such an amazing sight! I never in a million years thought I would see such a thing in the wild; I probably will never see another again for just as long! It was literally breath taking. I was in awe. The deer was not purely white though. It looked like someone had poured black paint on it’s head and back and it started to run down the sides. Not a brown, like the other deer, it was much darker. Everywhere else on the deer was totally white all the way down to it’s toes. This deer was truly Mother Earth’s canvas and she did a marvelous job!

I can’t be 100% sure but I think it was a buck. It is hard to make out antlers with the trees in the background but it looked like it had a rack, 4-point perhaps? I came home and drew a sketch of it as soon as I could. If I can’t have a photograph of him, then at least I have my drawing. This is exactly what he looked like (give or take the antlers).

Needless to say, I will be studying the symbolism behind white deer or white animals and see what I can find. I’ll share a post after the holidays with some information on that and maybe another drawing.

Have you ever seen a white deer before? Share your story in the comments below! I would love to hear it! I was ecstatic when I saw this guy! Thanks for stopping by.

I finally finished the ink for my reindeer totem. It felt like it took forever. I could have kept going too but I stopped myself. Sometimes I get too carried away with the ink that the color turns out funky. Either that or the color takes away from the ink. Neither are good.

I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go with this piece, though I never do. I did know I wanted it “decorated” to incorporate Santa’s sleigh. I started out with a fancy harness in mind and just went from there. This is the result.

I rushed the body. Their hair is so fine and smooth; I wasn’t sure how I wanted to incorporate it. I attempted a braid-like pattern which I feel I could have down a lot better on. I spent so much time getting the face the way I wanted, though, that I didn’t want to take another day or two to finish the body. So I will have to practice this more in my spare time.

I hope you enjoy the piece so far. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Thanks for stopping by. Check back soon, my next post will showcase the completed totem piece and the symbolism behind the reindeer.

If you live just about anywhere, deer are abundant. You may see them in the fields as you drive down the road. They might be in the woods, darting away as you hike closer. Perhaps they even make their way to your front lawn to munch on your shrubs and apple trees. My favorite experiences happened while on horseback as the deer allow you to walk right up next to them, only a couple feet away. However they have presented themselves, you may be wondering what wisdom they have to offer.

Deer embodies gentleness and caring. Approach the people around you with a kind and understanding heart. Do you feel like someone is trying to hold you back or bring you down? Deer teaches us that unconditional love should be our approach to many conflicts we face with others. Instead of focusing on the qualities you dislike in the person, focus on what you do love and show them. Kindness towards one another goes a long way. Often, people are taken back in disbelief when a kind gesture is made towards them. How rare it has become. Deer reminds us how important it is to love each other as we are. You should never expect anyone to change for you.

Perhaps you have no quarrel with others but instead cannot not find love for yourself. Remember to be understanding and stop judging yourself poorly for everything you do. How can you expect to love anything at all if you do not even love yourself? Focus on the traits that are positive. Let go of judgmental thoughts and self-inflicted criticisms. If you see nothing about yourself to love, then find a stranger and give them a genuine compliment. Making them feel good will make you feel better. The more you do it, the more reasons you have to love yourself. Eventually it will be second nature and your spirit will grow like wildfire!

A little kindness goes a long way. If Deer has left tracks across your path, it may be time to act on that. I wish you the best on your journey!

On a side note, I am very pleased with how this ZIA turned out. The deer is so calm and peaceful; I wanted to use tangles to enhance that feeling. I also wanted to incorporate nature into the sketch. I think it came out well. It only encourages me to make more! I wonder what animal will present itself next?

Have you seen one of these beautiful creatures lately? Share your story in the comments below! Thanks for stopping by this week!

Until next time,

“Where there is kindness there is goodness. Where there is goodness there is magic.”

A project my son did in school representing the Deer clan. The deer is also my mother’s totem animal.